Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans help eligible DVM students pay for educational and living expenses. These loans do not require a credit check, and eligibility is not based on financial need.

How much can I borrow?

• Students subject to the new professional student limits: Eligible DVM students may borrow up to $50,000 per academic year, subject to applicable aggregate and lifetime limits.

• Eligible legacy borrowers: Students who borrowed federal loans before July 1, 2026 and qualify for the temporary federal exception may continue under the previous health professions limits, including up to $40,500 for a nine-month academic year. Higher limits may apply to longer eligible academic years.

The Financial Aid Office determines your eligibility based on your enrollment, cost of attendance, other aid, and previous borrowing.

What should you know?

• Interest accrues from the date the loan is disbursed, including while you are in school.

• Each loan has a fixed interest rate. A loan fee is deducted from each disbursement.

• You must be enrolled at least half-time and meet federal aid requirements. Less-than-full-time enrollment may reduce your annual borrowing limit.

• Repayment generally begins after a six-month grace period following graduation, leaving school, or dropping below half-time enrollment.

• You may accept less than the amount offered.

How to apply

Complete the FAFSA each year using Rowan University’s school code, 002609. Complete any required entrance counseling and Master Promissory Note.

Learn about Direct Unsubsidized Loans, interest rates, and fees.

Graduate PLUS Loans help eligible students cover educational expenses remaining after other financial assistance is applied.

Who is eligible?

Beginning July 1, 2026, Grad PLUS Loans are available only to students who qualify for the temporary federal legacy borrower exception. To qualify, you must have:

• Were enrolled in your program by June 30, 2026.

• Received a Direct Loan for that program before July 1, 2026.

• Remained continuously enrolled in the same program at the same school.

The exception lasts for the shorter of three academic years or your remaining expected time to complete the program. Borrowing for a previous degree does not, by itself, establish eligibility.

What should you know?

• Eligible students may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus other financial assistance.

• A credit check is required.

• Each loan has a fixed interest rate and a loan fee.

• Interest accrues while you are enrolled and during deferment.

• Payments are generally deferred while you are enrolled at least half-time and for six months after graduation, leaving school, or dropping below half-time.

How to apply

Complete the FAFSA and contact the SSVM Financial Aid Office to confirm your eligibility before submitting a Grad PLUS application and completing required loan documents.

Learn about Graduate PLUS Loans

Private education loans are offered by banks, credit unions, and other lenders. They may help cover eligible educational expenses after scholarships, federal loans, and other resources have been considered.

What should I compare?

• Eligibility: Lenders may consider your credit history, income, and whether you have a creditworthy cosigner.

• Interest rates: Rates may be fixed or variable. Variable rates can change over time.

• Fees and repayment terms: Compare the total cost, when payments begin, and available repayment assistance.

• Internship and residency options: Ask about payment requirements during postgraduate veterinary training.

Private loans do not provide the same federal repayment options and borrower protections as federal student loans. Review the full loan terms before selecting a lender.

How to apply

Visit Rowan University’s ELMSelect loan database to compare private education loans. Under “Select your Program,” choose “Medical and Veterinary Programs.”

Compare interest rates, fees, repayment options, and cosigner requirements. Once you select a loan, follow the lender’s instructions to apply.

If you are approved and decide to borrow, email ssvmfinaid@rowan.edu with the lender’s name and the loan amount you wish to borrow.

You may choose any eligible private education loan lender. You are not required to select a lender listed in ELMSelect. Contact the SSVM Financial Aid Office if you need help understanding how a private loan fits into your financial aid package.

Scholarships can reduce the amount you need to borrow. They generally do not require repayment when you meet the award’s terms.

Explore institutional awards and scholarships offered by national, state, and local veterinary associations, foundations, professional organizations, and animal health companies. Organizations focused on veterinary specialties or practice areas, such as equine medicine, food animal medicine, companion animal practice, and research, are also useful places to search.

Check associations in your home state and organizations connected to your professional interests. Opportunities may have class-year, career-interest, membership, or residency requirements.

What should you know?

• Each scholarship has its own eligibility requirements, application process, and deadline.

• Review whether the award is available to students enrolled in a DVM program.

• Check whether the scholarship is renewable and whether you must reapply.

• Notify the Financial Aid Office when you receive an outside scholarship so it can be included in your aid package.

Rowan opportunities

• SSVM Scholarships

• Rowan ScholarshipUniverse

Veterinary organizations and scholarship resources

• American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF)

• New Jersey Veterinary Foundation

• VIN Foundation Veterinary Student Scholarship

• AAVMC Awards, Grants, and Scholarships

• Zoetis Foundation Education Initiatives and Grantees — Explore supported programs and their administering organizations.

• World Veterinary Association/MSD Veterinary Student Scholarship — Geographic and class-year restrictions apply. Review the current eligibility criteria.

Additional scholarship search tools

• CareerOneStop Scholarship Finder

• Scholarships.com — Veterinary Medicine Scholarships

• Bold.org — Veterinary Scholarships

• Fastweb.com - Veterinary Scholarships

Search regularly and confirm eligibility and application details with the organization offering each award.

Federal Work-Study provides eligible students with financial need an opportunity to earn income through approved part-time employment.

How does it work?

• Complete the FAFSA to be considered.

• Funding and positions are limited. Eligibility does not guarantee a job.

• You earn funds by working approved hours and receive wages through payroll.

• Your award establishes the maximum amount you may earn through the program during the award period.

• Work-Study funds are not paid upfront as a tuition credit or financial aid refund.

• Work-Study wages do not have to be repaid.

Choose a work schedule that fits your DVM coursework, laboratories, and clinical responsibilities.

How to apply

Contact the SSVM Financial Aid Office to ask about your eligibility, available positions, and next steps.

Learn about Federal Work-Study.